France’s Gendarmerie Nationale is replacing its fleet of rapid intervention vehicles and has made an order for at least 70 units of the Renault Megane RS. The Gendarmerie chose the Chassis Cup hardcore version, which is equipped with precision elements such as a limited-slip differential and 18 inch rims.

The automotive producer said that the engine was “adapted to meet the specific needs of the Gendarmerie in terms of acceleration and speed, which are vital to its work.”

These vehicles feature special law-enforcing equipment developed by Durisotti, an approved Renault coach-builder. It also said that Megane R.S. adds to the equipment used by the Gendarmerie in its remit to control land flows.

The Gendarmerie is mainly responsible for the day-to-day safety of the French population throughout almost 95% of the national territory, the biggest part of which is linked to the road and highway network.

This new vehicle has an adapted tool for battling types of criminality particular to this environment. For instance, it is equipped to have high speed capabilities as it gets involved in vehicle pursuits, freight theft and assaults committed by highly mobile criminals, and drug trafficker travel.